Removed from the starting lineup when his cab is stuck in traffic en route to Fenway Park, Dan Johnson, called up today from the Triple-A minor league Durham Bulls, pinch hits in the ninth inning with the Rays trailing 4-3, and belts a game-tying home run off closer Jonathan Papelbon. The homer, which comes in his first at-bat with the team and is his first pinch hit in 16 major league attempts, is believed to be the turning point of Tampa Bay’s season, as the timely round-tripper helps to snap a four-game losing streak and prevents the Red Sox from taking over first place.

This Day In Baseball

On September 9, 2008 — Removed from the starting lineup when his cab is stuck in traffic en route to Fenway Park, Dan Johnson, called up today from the Triple-A minor league Durham Bulls, pinch hits in the ninth inning with the Rays trailing 4-3, and belts a game-tying home run off closer Jonathan Papelbon. The homer, which comes in his first at-bat with the team and is his first pinch hit in 16 major league attempts, is believed to be the turning point of Tampa Bay’s season, as the timely round-tripper helps to snap a four-game losing streak and prevents the Red Sox from taking over first place.

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